FILE - In this Sept. 21 1954, file photo, some of the players in the race for the National League baseball batting title that season pose in New York. From left are New York Giants' Willie Mays, Brooklyn Dodgers' Duke Snider, and Giants' Don Mueller, right. Snider, 84, died early Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, of what the family called natural causes at the Valle Vista Convalescent Hospital in Escondido, Calif. Snider was part of the charmed "Boys of Summer" with the Dodgers in the late 1940s and 1950s. He helpedlead Brooklyn to its only World Series championship in 1955. less

FILE - In this Sept. 21 1954, file photo, some of the players in the race for the National League baseball batting title that season pose in New York. From left are New York Giants' Willie Mays, Brooklyn ... more

Photo: AP

FILE - In this Sept. 21 1954, file photo, some of the players in...photo-5347182.72428 - |ucfirst

Willie Mays making "The Miracle Catch" in the 1954 World Series opener.
Ran on: 09-28-2004
Willie Mays made the catch, turn and throw in one fluid motion.
Willie Mays making "The Miracle Catch" in the 1954 World Series opener. less

Willie Mays making "The Miracle Catch" in the 1954 World Series opener.
Ran on: 09-28-2004
Willie Mays made the catch, turn and throw in one fluid motion.
Willie Mays making "The Miracle Catch" in ... more

Photo: Wide World Photos 1954

Willie Mays making "The Miracle Catch" in the 1954 World...photo-5347183.72428 - |ucfirst

In this Sept. 29, 1954 file photo, New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays, left, jokes with pinch-hitter Dusty Rhodes in the clubhouse after the Giants' 5-2 win in 10 innings over the Cleveland Indians Game 1 of the World Series at the Polo Grounds in New York. Rhodes' 10th-inning three-run homer clinched the victory. Rhodes, who helped the Giants win their last World Series title in 1954, died on Wednesday June 17, 2009, of cardiopulmonary arrest at Valley Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas, the Clark County coroner's office said Thursday, June 18, 2009. He was 82. less

In this Sept. 29, 1954 file photo, New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays, left, jokes with pinch-hitter Dusty Rhodes in the clubhouse after the Giants' 5-2 win in 10 innings over the Cleveland Indians ... more

Willie Mays, left, centerfielder for the New York Giants, chats with a former great player with the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians, Tris Speaker, prior to the start of the fourth game of the 1954 World Series between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Indians in Cleveland's Municipal Stadium, October 2, 1954. less

Willie Mays, left, centerfielder for the New York Giants, chats with a former great player with the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians, Tris Speaker, prior to the start of the fourth game of the 1954 ... more

Photo: AP

Willie Mays, left, centerfielder for the New York Giants, chats...photo-5347185.72428 - |ucfirst

Willie Mays and his family in 1957, the year he faced discrimination while trying to buy a house.

Willie Mays and his family in 1957, the year he faced discrimination while trying to buy a house.

Photo: Ap 1957

Willie Mays and his family in 1957, the year he faced...photo-5347186.72428 - |ucfirst

Giants player Willie Mays, at Seals Stadium. (Photo by Jon Brenneis//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)
Ran on: 04-01-2007
Willie Mays, who had established himself as one of the game's best players, runs onto the field prior to the Giants' 1958 opener.
Ran on: 04-01-2007
Willie Mays, who had established himself as one of the game's best players, runs onto the field prior to the Giants' 1958 opener.
Ran on: 04-01-2007
Giants player Willie Mays, at Seals Stadium. (Photo by Jon Brenneis//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)
Ran on: 04-01-2007
Willie Mays, who had established himself as one of the game's best players, runs onto the field prior to the Giants' 1958 opener. less

Giants player Willie Mays, at Seals Stadium. (Photo by Jon Brenneis//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)
Ran on: 04-01-2007
Willie Mays, who had established himself as one of the game's best players, runs onto ... more

Willie Mays, at bat during Giants Opening Day at Canlestick Park, April 12, 1960.

Willie Mays, at bat during Giants Opening Day at Canlestick Park, April 12, 1960.

Photo: Bob Campbell, The Chronicle

Willie Mays, at bat during Giants Opening Day at Canlestick Park,...photo-5347189.72428 - |ucfirst

Willie Mays takes a cut at the pill on March 13, 1962 in preparation for tomorrow's opening exhibition game with the Cleveland Indians.

Willie Mays takes a cut at the pill on March 13, 1962 in preparation for tomorrow's opening exhibition game with the Cleveland Indians.

Photo: Ap

Willie Mays takes a cut at the pill on March 13, 1962 in...photo-5347190.72428 - |ucfirst

32nd All-Star game won by the National league on July 11, 1962. From left are Willie Mays, Juan Marichal, the winning pitcher Dick Groat, who drove the first National League run home, and Stan Musial.

32nd All-Star game won by the National league on July 11, 1962. From left are Willie Mays, Juan Marichal, the winning pitcher Dick Groat, who drove the first National League run home, and Stan Musial.

Photo: AP

32nd All-Star game won by the National league on July 11, 1962....photo-5347191.72428 - |ucfirst

In this Oct. 4, 1962, file photo, Tom Tresh, left, of the New York Yankees, and Willie Mays, of the San Francisco Giants, talk before the first game of the World Series in San Francisco. Two ballparks and a half century after the Giants relocated from New York, San Francisco Giants fans still are waiting for a World Series championship that eluded them on three occasions. less

In this Oct. 4, 1962, file photo, Tom Tresh, left, of the New York Yankees, and Willie Mays, of the San Francisco Giants, talk before the first game of the World Series in San Francisco. Two ballparks and a ... more

Photo: AP

In this Oct. 4, 1962, file photo, Tom Tresh, left, of the New York...photo-5347192.72428 - |ucfirst

FILE - In this May 2, 1964, file photo, San Francisco Giants' center fielder Willie Mays, center, playing first base for the first time in his major league career tags out Los Angeles Dodgers' Willie Davis on a third inning pick-off play during a baseball game in Los Angeles. Burbank, Calif., police reported Tuesday, March 9, 2010, that Davis was found dead in his Burbank, Calif., home. He was 69. (AP Photo/Ed Widdis, File) less

FILE - In this May 2, 1964, file photo, San Francisco Giants' center fielder Willie Mays, center, playing first base for the first time in his major league career tags out Los Angeles Dodgers' Willie Davis on ... more

WILLIE MAYS, SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS' CENTERFIELDER, LETS OUT A YELL AS MANAGER HERMAN FRANKS POURS CHAMPAGNE ON HIS HEAD IN THE DRESSING ROOM IN HOUSTON. MAYS HIT HIS 511TH HOMER INTO THE LEFT FIELD STANDS TO TIE MEL OTT'S RECORD less

WILLIE MAYS, SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS' CENTERFIELDER, LETS OUT A YELL AS MANAGER HERMAN FRANKS POURS CHAMPAGNE ON HIS HEAD IN THE DRESSING ROOM IN HOUSTON. MAYS HIT HIS 511TH HOMER INTO THE LEFT FIELD STANDS TO TIE ... more

San Francisco's Willie Mays, the silver platter tucked neatly on his hip, acknowledges with thanks after being honored as the greatest Giants' player in the team's history at Candlestick Park on Sept. 1, 1969.

San Francisco's Willie Mays, the silver platter tucked neatly on his hip, acknowledges with thanks after being honored as the greatest Giants' player in the team's history at Candlestick Park on Sept. 1, 1969.

** FILE ** In this Sept. 20, 1973 file photo, New York Mets' Willie Mays gestures at a Shea Stadium News Conference where he announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 1973 season. Brett Favre went on national television to try and explain something he couldn't quite explain. He's got plenty of company, because when it comes to retirement there aren't many athletes who can figure out when it's really over. (AP Photo/John Rooney, File) less

** FILE ** In this Sept. 20, 1973 file photo, New York Mets' Willie Mays gestures at a Shea Stadium News Conference where he announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 1973 season. Brett Favre went ... more

"I still watch what I eat," said Willie Mays..."In my mind, I still haven't quit. It still hasn't sunk in yet." Willie is shown in a recent photo at the Mets' training camp on March 11, 1974.

"I still watch what I eat," said Willie Mays..."In my mind, I still haven't quit. It still hasn't sunk in yet." Willie is shown in a recent photo at the Mets' training camp on March 11, 1974.

Photo: Upi

"I still watch what I eat," said Willie Mays..."In...photo-5347207.72428 - |ucfirst

WillieMays103.jpg
February 25, 1974 -
Willie lines up a shot--Willie Mays, the 43-year-old baseball legend, lines up a shot during a game of pool with his wife Mae, in their home in Atherton, Calif. In the background are shelves holding some of the many trophies Mays won during his 22 years as a baseball superstar. Mays has an eight-year contract with the New York Mets and says he'll be helping out the younger players, but since his duties haven't yet been spelled out he declines to elaborate. less

WillieMays103.jpg
February 25, 1974 -
Willie lines up a shot--Willie Mays, the 43-year-old baseball legend, lines up a shot during a game of pool with his wife Mae, in their home in Atherton, Calif. In ... more

Statue of Willie Mays in front of AT&T Park in the Mission Bay. Monday, November 23, 2009. San Francisco Calif.

Statue of Willie Mays in front of AT&T Park in the Mission Bay. Monday, November 23, 2009. San Francisco Calif.

Photo: Jana Asenbrennerova, The Chronicle

Statue of Willie Mays in front of AT&T Park in the Mission Bay....photo-5347211.72428 - |ucfirst

After hitting his 756th home run, Barry Bonds and Willie Mays appear to be near tears. Celebration of Barry Bonds's 756th home run that breaks the all-time career home run record. Giants v. Nationals at ATT Park. Photo: Mark Costantini / S.F. Chronicle less

After hitting his 756th home run, Barry Bonds and Willie Mays appear to be near tears. Celebration of Barry Bonds's 756th home run that breaks the all-time career home run record. Giants v. Nationals at ATT ... more

Photo: Mark Costantini, Chronicle

After hitting his 756th home run, Barry Bonds and Willie Mays...photo-5347212.72428 - |ucfirst

San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds walks out with his godfather and fellow Giants All-Star Willie Mays, left, on opening day during their baseball game against the San Diego Padres in San Francisco, in this April 3, 2007 file photo. In preparation for this year's All-Star game to be held at AT&T Park, the team honored Giants who have represented the team as an All-Star. less

San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds walks out with his godfather and fellow Giants All-Star Willie Mays, left, on opening day during their baseball game against the San Diego Padres in San Francisco, in this ... more

Photo: Eric Risberg, AP

San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds walks out with his godfather...photo-5347213.72428 - |ucfirst

Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants stops to meet with Giants legend Willie Mays after he was named the National League Cy young Award winner today for the second straight year. Lincecum and Mays at the Giants clubhouse at AT&T Ballpark in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday November 19, 2009. less

Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants stops to meet with Giants legend Willie Mays after he was named the National League Cy young Award winner today for the second straight year. Lincecum and Mays at the ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants stops to meet with Giants...photo-5347214.72428 - |ucfirst

President Barack Obama, left, escorts Hall of Famer Willie Mays, right, on his arrival at Lambert St. Louis International airport Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

President Barack Obama, left, escorts Hall of Famer Willie Mays, right, on his arrival at Lambert St. Louis International airport Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

Willie Mays throws out balls to the crowd as he rides a 1958 Cadillac El Dorado around the field during a pre-game ceremonies to honor the former Giants slugger.
78th Annual All-Star Game at AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA, on Tuesday, July, 10 2007. less

Willie Mays throws out balls to the crowd as he rides a 1958 Cadillac El Dorado around the field during a pre-game ceremonies to honor the former Giants slugger.
78th Annual All-Star Game at AT&T Park in San ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Willie Mays throws out balls to the crowd as he rides a 1958...photo-5347216.72428 - |ucfirst

Famed Giants' player Willie Mays waves to fans, as the City of San Francisco celebrates the World Series Champion Giants with a parade down Market Street, on Wednesday Nov. 3, 2010 in San Francisco, Calif.

Famed Giants' player Willie Mays waves to fans, as the City of San Francisco celebrates the World Series Champion Giants with a parade down Market Street, on Wednesday Nov. 3, 2010 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Famed Giants' player Willie Mays waves to fans, as the City of...photo-5347217.72428 - |ucfirst

Former San Francisco Giants great Willie Mays, lower right, waves from the back of a car as he rides in the Giants World Series ticker-tape parade through downtown San Francisco, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010. The Giants defeated the Texas Rangers in five gamesfor their first championship since the team moved west from New York 52 years ago. less

Former San Francisco Giants great Willie Mays, lower right, waves from the back of a car as he rides in the Giants World Series ticker-tape parade through downtown San Francisco, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010. The ... more

NEW YORK - JANURARY 21: Sitting in front of a picture of himself playing stickball on the streets of Harlem, Willie Mays is interviewed at PS 46, next to the site of the former Polo Grounds, where the new York Giants played before moving to San Franciscoin 1958, on Jan. 21, 2011 in New York City. The Giants hadn't won the World Series since 1954. less

NEW YORK - JANURARY 21: Sitting in front of a picture of himself playing stickball on the streets of Harlem, Willie Mays is interviewed at PS 46, next to the site of the former Polo Grounds, where the new York ... more

Photo: Michael Nagle, Getty Images

NEW YORK - JANURARY 21: Sitting in front of a picture of himself...photo-5347219.72428 - |ucfirst

Former major league baseball player Willie Mays, left, speaks during the San Francisco Giants' 2010 World Series trophy display tour event on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011 at the Arthur Tappan School P.S. 46 in Harlem, New York. The school is near the site of the old Polo Grounds, where Mays made his famous catch, simply called "The Catch," to help the Giants win the 1954 World Series against the Cleveland Indians. The Giants and Mays moved to San Francisco in 1957. less

Former major league baseball player Willie Mays, left, speaks during the San Francisco Giants' 2010 World Series trophy display tour event on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011 at the Arthur Tappan School P.S. 46 in ... more

Photo: Bebeto Matthews, AP

Former major league baseball player Willie Mays, left, speaks...photo-5347220.72428 - |ucfirst

NEW YORK - JANURARY 21: Willie Mays, right, answers questions from students during a visit to PS 46 in Harlem, next to the site of the former Polo Grounds, where the new York Giants played before moving to San Francisco in 1958, on Jan. 21, 2011 in New York City. The Giants hadn't won the World Series since 1954. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX*** less

NEW YORK - JANURARY 21: Willie Mays, right, answers questions from students during a visit to PS 46 in Harlem, next to the site of the former Polo Grounds, where the new York Giants played before moving to San ... more

Willie Mays (left) and Giants equipment manager Mike Murphy share a laugh recalling all their years together. The San Francisco Giants held a workout at their Scottsdale Stadium facility Wednesday February 24, 2011 and also a short inter squad game. less

Willie Mays (left) and Giants equipment manager Mike Murphy share a laugh recalling all their years together. The San Francisco Giants held a workout at their Scottsdale Stadium facility Wednesday February 24, ... more

Giants great Willie Mays (right) presents the World Series championship banner to manager Bruce Bochy before the Giants' home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at AT&T Park in San Francisco on Friday.

Giants great Willie Mays (right) presents the World Series championship banner to manager Bruce Bochy before the Giants' home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at AT&T Park in San Francisco on Friday.